Death in custody: No internal injuries found in post-mortem, 78 quizzed

KUALA LUMPUR: A post-mortem on a 42-year-old man who died in police custody found no internal organ injuries, although several external injuries were detected.

Bukit Aman Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Datuk Aida Abdul Hamid said the cause of death remained pending laboratory analysis.

The man, who was arrested by Cheras police on Sept 19 in connection with investigations under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Sections 457 and 379 of the Penal Code, was referred to Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz on Sept 30 for treatment.

He was given initial treatment by doctors but was pronounced dead at 1.52am on Oct 1.

Aida said the case had been classified as sudden death, with the Death in Custody Criminal Investigation Unit continuing investigations from various angles.

She said the unit had recorded statements from 78 witnesses, including policemen, the public, medical officers, forensic medical specialists, National Legal Aid Foundation representatives and two family members of the deceased.

The case had also been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Commission in accordance with Section 26 of the IPCC Act 2022.